I'm sure people might have some legitmate ideas that they feel should be incorporated into vehicles these days, such as heated and cooled seats and steering wheel. This thread can also be used to post manufaturer ideas/gimmiks such as the Ford "My Key" for discussion.

With that said, here is my idea that I wanted to share and see what you guys think. Vehicles have ways to monitor tire pressure. Why not have it so that certain vehicles also have an air compressor (with lines runing inside the driveshafts and attached to a modified rim and attached to a bearing so it rotates freely with the driveshaft) so that if the tire pressure gets "low," the car will automatically restore pressure to either the default setting or one that you've preset. The vehicles TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) can work in junction to help maintain pressure levels. In the same way, a "leak" valve can release pressure as necessary.

Now lets take this to the next level with rock climbing vehicles or vehicles stuck in snow/mud (keep in mind, I don't offroad, so chime in corrections as necessary). Instead of getting out and having to reduce pressure when you are in a rut (especially if you are in a crutial situation where you may not be able to safely exit your vehicle), you can simply release tire pressure from the inside of the cabin. Once you get out of a tight situation you can adjust the pressure back up to "normal."

Another application I suppose could be related to Formula 1 racing. If they can adjust brake biasing on the fly, why not tire pressure as well?

The only "issue" I can think of at the moment concerns tire blow outs and leaking tires. Blowouts will be easy since a sudden reduction/loss in tire pressure indicated by the TPMS will send a warning light on your dash and the pump will not activate. Also, if there is a "leak" (ie: nail in your tire), the computer will acknowledge a constant loss of pressure, warn you of a possible leaking tire, and prevent the pump from running constantly (so it doesn't burn up).


Is there anything out there concerning this idea that any has heard of? Just for discussion purposes, what do you garage junkies think...?

10/17/2008 3:43:31 PM

^I believe that has been done, methinks military vehicles maybe? (someone else chime in)

10/17/2008 3:49:05 PM

yes, the H1 hummer had it

10/17/2008 3:50:12 PM

haha SHOT DOWN

10/17/2008 3:54:05 PM

^^ ha, good to know.

10/17/2008 3:57:31 PM

Quote :

"Another application I suppose could be related to Formula 1 racing. If they can adjust brake biasing on the fly, why not tire pressure as well?"

Wouldnt be "fair". The brakes are only as good as the person driving. Setting the tire pressure is a part of the car setup like suspension adjusment and aero. I suppose what I mean to say is tire pressure is more static, braking dynamic.

10/17/2008 4:11:03 PM

don't S class Mercedes have cooled seats? I know bmw has heated wheels

10/17/2008 4:43:39 PM

There are several makes out there with heated and/or cooled seats, as well as steering wheels.

10/18/2008 12:48:08 AM

well fuck, I'm just behind now aren't I

10/18/2008 9:33:19 AM

i have an idea...

let's have some cars without all of this silly bullshit. i mean, all of that stuff is great and all, but i wish there were more stripped down, basic commuters available, and at least one or two lightweight, hardcore, purpose-built sports car available (aside from the Elise, which is fairly expensive).

10/18/2008 9:49:27 AM

AMEN BROTHER

10/18/2008 10:12:29 AM

yep, a lot of higher end luxury vehicles have cooled seats now. i'm not sure who was the first to do it. i know cadillac has offered them for at least a couple of years.

also, as mentioned, several military vehicles and other heavy duty off road oriented vehicles incorporate a ctis (central tire inflation system) from the factory. they're also available from the aftermarket for off road vehicles, construction delivery trucks, concrete trucks, etc. a number of auto manufacturers mount tiny 12v compressors in the trunk/cargo area with enough hose and attachments for filling tires, sports balls, floats, or whatever.

i doubt factory ctis's will ever really see widespread production though. there's just not much point in them for a normal street vehicle. things like the compressors i mentioned above, runflat tires, etc. make a lot more practical and financial sense.

10/18/2008 10:36:09 AM

I think Saab had the first cooled seats

10/18/2008 10:37:35 AM

you can get heated and cooled seats on a nissan maxima. Infiniti started the AC seats back in 2004 i think

A good idea is a teen speed limiting device. Basically a parent types in a code on the dash board which limits throttle input to 50% (no flooring the car), and limits top speed to 70mph. System can be deactived only by the parent with the code. Car insurance companies would love this!!! cheap rates!!!

10/18/2008 11:15:41 AM

^

Quote :

"This thread can also be used to post manufaturer ideas/gimmiks such as the Ford "My Key" for discussion"

10/18/2008 11:19:54 AM

not reading the whole thread, but look into CTIS. its been around a while.

10/18/2008 11:33:51 AM

SAAB has indeed had cooled seats for quite a while (friend has a '99 9-5 with 'em). Lincoln also did it in the LS, though I'm not sure if the idea survived that car's demise.

10/18/2008 12:32:05 PM

Quote :

"a number of auto manufacturers mount tiny 12v compressors in the trunk/cargo area with enough hose and attachments for filling tires, sports balls, floats, or whatever."

the only one i can remember off hand is the pontiac bonneville. neat option.

10/18/2008 2:16:12 PM

variable tint windows so you can see out the back at night. i don't know for sure, but i would assume its been done on some concepts already.

10/18/2008 5:28:33 PM

headlights (or just the high beams on 4-light systems) cross polarized with windshields.

10/18/2008 6:46:24 PM

^^

Ive seen it done on concept rail cars from the 30s.

10/18/2008 10:44:47 PM

how about some horsepower?

10/18/2008 10:54:57 PM

how about a pickup truck with a 120v outlet in the bed?

10/18/2008 11:10:25 PM

doesn't the ridgeline have that?

10/19/2008 1:47:02 AM